The Power of Sacrifice

Well we’ve been here in Sweden for a little over 2 weeks and I can’t really believe where the time has gone.  It seems like just yesterday we were all back at the airport in Chicago ready to take off, anxiously awaiting to get over to Europe and test ourselves against some extremely tough competition.  The trip thus far has been long and challenging, having played 5 games in 9 days against some unbelievable opponents.   We’ve had to raise our level each game overcoming adversity such as jet lag, back to back games, and injuries but each time we’ve been up to the challenge.  We’ve had a lot success so far, but the schedule doesn’t get any easier, especially as we make our final push towards the end of the trip.

The past success put behind us, we have our final 4 games in 7 days and each of us know that the job’s not done yet.  We need to be more focused than ever because the physical and mental drain of a trip like this is incredible as time goes on. For us this is just another adversity that we have to overcome and I’m confident we will rise to the challenge.

I’ve never seen a group of people care for each other both on and off the field as much as this one.  Whether it be pitching in around the kitchen and washing up dishes, or making a sprint back on defense to help another team mate, the desire to help one another is the same.  It’s been 100 percent total sacrifice individually in order to achieve team success.  Our play on the field has grown game by game, but  I also feel a sense of brotherhood has been established as each day passes too.

I’m extremely proud to say that I’m a part of this great group of guys.  It’s been so awesome to see all of our hard work and dedication pay off.  Though we may not have gotten a win in every game, I feel that we can all say that we have walked off the field with our heads held high knowing we competed and gave everything we had.  That’s the sign of true success as a team.  We’ve all had some incredible and memorable moments here in Sweden.  I’ll remember each and every one of these guys for a long time and always remember the sense of comarodery we have as a group.

The experience of being able to play in such a highly competitive environment, against professional teams for 3 and a half weeks is just an unbelievable opportunity. It’s definitely been an eye opening experience and I’m just trying to gain as much knowledge and information as I can to not only improve as a player but as a person. I’m so excited to see what the rest of the trip has in store for us though I’m not really sure exactly what it may be. We’ve had buses run over fences and breakdown, a coach have a kidney stone (he’s doing well for all those wondering) and a broken skateboard fiasco, so i think I’m pretty much ready for anything at this point.

All I do know though is that I can’t wait to see what is going to happen for Bridges FC over the next 10 days because I know it will be something special.  I believe our play on the field and our companionship off the field is something that will truly be unforgettable and will be remembered by all for many years to come.